Category: Religious Minorities

12 Baha’i Citizens Sentenced in Sari

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News, Religious Minorities
Anahita Koushakbaghi, Baha'i citizens, Banafsheh Asadian Arabi, Emilia Fanaian, Fouad Leghaei, Hossein Fanaian, HRANA, Keyumars Akbari, Melody Samimi, Nasim Samimi, Qaem Shahr, Raquel Ataian, Sari, Soheil Haghdoost, Sohrab Leghaei, Zahra Golabian

HRANA – Twelve Baha’i citizens have been sentenced by the Sari Revolutionary Court to a combined 26 years and 165 days in prison and 76 years of deprivation of social rights.

According to HRANA, 12 Baha’i citizens in Sari have been sentenced to prison.

According to a verdict issued on August 20, 2026, Baha’i citizens Raquel Ataian, Keyumars Akbari, Sohrab Leghaei, Zahra Golabian, Banafsheh Asadian Arabi, Fouad Leghaei, Anahita Koushakbaghi, Nasim Samimi, Hossein Fanaian, Emilia Fanaian, Melody Samimi, and Soheil Haghdoost were convicted by Branch 1 of the Sari Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Ammar Ramezani. Under the ruling, Ataian was sentenced to four years in prison and 10 years of deprivation of social rights. Each of the other defendants was sentenced to two years and 15 days in prison and six years of deprivation of social rights.

The verdict states that the charge against these citizens was “engaging in educational and promotional activities contrary and detrimental to the sacred Islamic Sharia, with the aim of promoting and encouraging the Baha’i sect.” Court hearings on the charges against these citizens were held on August 1, 2, and 3, 2026, before the same branch.

A source close to one of the Baha’i citizens confirmed the news to HRANA and, describing the proceedings in the case, said: “The first hearing on the charges against these citizens was held in May 2024 before Branch 1 of the Sari Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Shoja Zoghi. Due to deficiencies in the investigation, the court returned the case to the investigative branch three times. However, because the deficiencies were not addressed, the case was removed from the branch’s docket. It was subsequently referred to Branch 104 of the Qaem Shahr Criminal Court, presided over by Judge Reza Majazi, where hearings were held on July 12 and 13, 2025.”

The source added: “During these proceedings, Soheil Haghdoost and his wife, Raquel Ataian, were arrested and were unable to attend the hearings. Following their temporary release, the two were tried separately from the other defendants. The Criminal Court subsequently issued a ruling declaring that it lacked jurisdiction and referred the case back to Branch 1 of the Sari Revolutionary Court. After holding three hearings, the branch ultimately issued its verdict.”

The source further stated: “During her detention last year, Raquel Ataian faced a new judicial case. By decision of Branch 104 of the Qaem Shahr Criminal Court, the proceedings in that case were consolidated with this case. Ultimately, both cases resulted in a verdict issued by Branch 1 of the Sari Revolutionary Court.”

Previously, final defense sessions for these 12 Baha’i citizens were held separately in March 2024 before Branch 6 of the Investigative Office of the Qaem Shahr Prosecutor’s Office, presided over by Reza Majazi. Prior to that, security forces had searched their homes, and each of them had received a separate text message informing them that a judicial case had been opened against them at the Qaem Shahr Prosecutor’s Office.

Five Baha’i Citizens Arrested in Sari

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizens, Fakhereh Zahedi, HRANA, Maral Roshani, Negar Badiei, Sari, Shima Sanaei

HRANA – On Saturday, August 22, four Baha’i citizens, identified as Maral Roshani, Negar Badiei, Shima Sanaei, and Fakhereh Zahedi, were arrested in Sari. Yesterday, HRANA reported the arrest of Soraya Manouchehrzadeh, another Baha’i citizen residing in the city. Including her, the number of Baha’i citizens arrested in Sari has reached five.

According to HRANA, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, four additional Baha’i citizens were arrested in Sari.

HRANA has verified the identities of these citizens as Maral Roshani, Negar Badiei, Shima Sanaei, and Fakhereh Zahedi. According to information received by HRANA, Maral Roshani and Negar Badiei were arrested by Security Police officers and, after several hours of interrogation, were released at approximately 7:00 p.m. the same day. The two women were instructed to report to the relevant authorities next Saturday for further questioning.

Shima Sanaei and Fakhereh Zahedi were also arrested by Ministry of Intelligence agents. In a phone call with their families, they stated that they are being held at the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Sari, known as the “Keshouei” detention facility.

Yesterday, HRANA reported the arrest of Soraya Manouchehrzadeh, a Baha’i citizen residing in Sari. Ms. Manouchehrzadeh was also arrested by Ministry of Intelligence agents and transferred to the Sari detention facility.

A source close to the family of one of these citizens confirmed the news to HRANA and said: “The judicial orders presented by the agents when they arrived were solely search warrants and did not include orders for the arrest of these citizens. Nevertheless, the agents proceeded to arrest them. During the interrogations of Maral Roshani and Negar Badiei, most of the questions focused on their professional activities and allegations that they had used their occupations to ‘promote the Baha’i faith.’ When agents went to the homes of these two citizens, four officers were present, including one female officer.”

The source further added: “The arrests of Soraya Manouchehrzadeh, Shima Sanaei, and Fakhereh Zahedi involved a larger number of security personnel. Approximately 14 agents, five private vehicles, and a representative of the prosecutor’s office were present during these arrests.”

Maral Roshani is a health and personal care products retailer; Negar Badiei is an English-language instructor; Soraya Manouchehrzadeh is a Montessori instructor; Shima Sanaei is a health and personal care products retailer; and Fakhereh Zahedi is a homemaker.

Baha’i Citizen Soraya Manouchehrzadeh Arrested

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, HRANA, Sari, Soraya Manouchehrzadeh, ثریا منوچهرزاده, هرانا

HRANA – On Saturday, August 22, Soraya Manouchehrzadeh, a Baha’i citizen residing in Sari, was arrested by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence and transferred to an undisclosed location. At the same time, the agents searched her family home and confiscated a number of personal belongings and electronic devices.

According to HRANA, Soraya Manouchehrzadeh, a Baha’i citizen residing in Sari, was arrested.

According to information received by HRANA, Ministry of Intelligence agents climbed over the wall of Ms. Manouchehrzadeh’s family home and entered the property without presenting a judicial warrant before arresting her.

During the operation, the agents also searched the home and confiscated a number of books and electronic devices belonging to Ms. Manouchehrzadeh and members of her family.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding her place of detention, the charges against her, or her current condition.

In 2022, the home of this Baha’i citizen was also searched by security forces.

Over the past decade, Iran’s Baha’i community has been subjected to security and judicial actions more frequently than any other religious minority in the country. A review of HRA’s annual report reveals that over the past year an average of 62.41% of reports concerning religious minorities involved violations of the civil rights of Baha’is.

Baha’i Citizen Faranak Zabihi Sentenced to Prison

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, Faranak Zabihi, HRANA, Qaemshahr, فرانک ذبیحی

HRANA – Faranak Zabihi, a Baha’i citizen, has been sentenced by the Qaemshahr Revolutionary Court to two years in prison and a two-year deprivation of social rights.

According to HRANA, Faranak Zabihi has been sentenced to imprisonment and deprivation of social rights.

Based on information received by HRANA, this Baha’i citizen was sentenced by Reza Majazi, a judge at the Qaemshahr Revolutionary Court, to two years and one day of imprisonment and a two-year deprivation of social rights on the charge of “propaganda against the regime through promoting the Baha’i Faith.”

Ms. Zabihi’s court hearing was held on August 3, 2026, and the aforementioned verdict was issued on August 10, 2026.

Faranak Zabihi Mahforujaki, a Baha’i citizen residing in Qaemshahr, was arrested by security forces on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. She was released one day later from Tir Kola Prison in Sari after posting bail. Her arrest was accompanied by a search of her home, during which a number of personal and electronic belongings belonging to her and members of her family were confiscated.

Over the past decade, Iran’s Baha’i community has faced more security and judicial actions than any other religious minority. A review of HRA’s annual reports indicates that, over the past year, an average of 62.41% of reports concerning religious minorities involved violations of the civil rights of Baha’is.

Three Sunni Brothers Arrested in Shadegan

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News, Religious Minorities
Bagher Shaverdi, Fouad Shaverdi, IRGC Intelligence, Jihad Shaverdi

HRANA – On Sunday, August 9, three Sunni brothers were arrested by agents of the IRGC Intelligence in Shadegan and taken to an undisclosed location.

According to HRANA, Jihad Shaverdi, 40, Bagher Shaverdi, 28, and Fouad Shaverdi, 26, were arrested by agents of the IRGC Intelligence Organization.

The three Sunni brothers were arrested on Sunday, August 9, 2026, by IRGC Intelligence agents at their respective homes in the city of Fallahiyeh (Shadegan). Following their arrests, they were taken to an undisclosed location.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for their arrests or the charges brought against them.

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Baha’i Citizen Sentenced to More Than 16 Years in Prison

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News, Religious Minorities
HRANA, Moein Mohammadi-Dehaj, Yazd

HRANA – Moein Mohammadi-Dehaj, a Baha’i resident of Yazd, has been sentenced by Branch 1 of the Yazd Revolutionary Court to 16 years, 7 months and 18 days of discretionary imprisonment, 10 years of deprivation of social rights, and permanent dismissal from government and public service.

According to HRANA, Moein Mohammadi-Dehaj, a Baha’i citizen, has been sentenced to imprisonment and additional punishments.

According to a ruling issued by Branch 1 of the Yazd Revolutionary Court and formally communicated to Mr. Mohammadi-Dehaj, he was sentenced to a total of 16 years, 7 months and 18 days in prison. In addition, as supplementary punishments, he was sentenced to 10 years of deprivation of social rights and permanent dismissal from government and public service. Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, which governs the aggregation of sentences, only the harshest sentence, 12 years, 6 months and 1 day of imprisonment, will be enforceable.

According to the details of the verdict, Mr. Mohammadi-Dehaj received:

• Seven months and 16 days of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of “propaganda against the regime,” pursuant to Article 500 of the Islamic Penal Code;

• Three years, 6 months and 1 day of discretionary imprisonment, along with 10 years of deprivation of social rights, on the charge of “deviant propaganda contrary to the sacred law of Islam through the promotion of the Baha’i faith,” pursuant to Article 500 bis of the Islamic Penal Code;

• Twelve years, 6 months and 1 day of discretionary imprisonment and permanent dismissal from government and public service on the charge of “media and propaganda activities against national security,” pursuant to Article 4 of the Law on Intensifying the Punishment for Espionage and Collaboration with Israel and Hostile States Against National Security and Interests.

According to information received by HRANA, the convictions related to the charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “deviant propaganda contrary to the sacred law of Islam” may be appealed within 20 days of notification. The conviction for “media and propaganda activities against national security” may be challenged through an appeal before the Supreme Court within 10 days.

Mr. Mohammadi-Dehaj was arrested by security forces at his home in Yazd on January 5, 2026, during which several personal belongings belonging to him and his family were confiscated. He was subsequently released from prison on March 17, 2026, after posting bail of 50 billion rials (five billion tomans).

Moein Mohammadi-Dehaj is a 39-year-old Baha’i resident of Yazd who has previously faced arrest and conviction.

Over the past decade, Iran’s Baha’i community has been subjected to more security and judicial repression than any other religious minority in the country. According to HRA annual reports, an average of 62.41% of all reported violations of the rights of religious minorities during the past year involved members of the Baha’i community.

Appeals Court Upholds One-Year Prison Sentence for Baha’i Citizen Amin Imanian

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News, Religious Minorities
Amin Imanian, Babol, Baha'i citizen, HRANA, امین ایمانیان

HRANA – The Mazandaran Province Court of Appeals has upheld, in full, the one-year prison sentence issued against Amin Imanian, a Baha’i resident of Babol.

According to HRANA, Amin Imanian has been sentenced to imprisonment.

Based on information received by HRANA, Branch 9 of the Mazandaran Province Court of Appeals sentenced Mr. Imanian to one year in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.” The ruling was electronically served on him on July 21.

Mr. Imanian had previously been sentenced to the same term of imprisonment by Branch 1 of the Babol Revolutionary Court at the trial stage.

Previously, an informed source told HRANA that Mr. Imanian is active in the sport of boxing, working as both a boxing coach and a referee.

Over the past decade, the Baha’i community in Iran has been subjected to more security-related and judicial persecution than any other religious minority in the country. According to HRA’s annual reports, an average of 62.41% of all reported violations of the rights of religious minorities during the past calendar year involved violations of the rights of Baha’i citizens.

Seven Sunni Citizens Arrested in Abadan and Mahshahr

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News, Religious Minorities
Abadan, Mahshahr

HRANA News Agency – Seven Sunni citizens were arrested by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence in the cities of Abadan and Mahshahr and taken to undisclosed locations.

According to HRANA, seven Sunni citizens have been arrested in Abadan and Mahshahr.

The identities of the detainees have been confirmed as:

• Hassan Batrani, 32;

• Mehdi Batrani, 41;

• Mehdi Asakereh, 20;

• Hossein Khanfari, 33;

• Amin Khanfari, 22, all residents of Abadan; and

• Abdolhamid Simari, also known as Abu Abdolsalam, 50; and

• Hatem Mansouri, 46, both residents of Mahshahr.

However, local sources have reported that the number of those arrested is higher than currently confirmed, a matter that HRANA is still investigating.

The arrests took place on Friday, July 24, 2026, when agents of the Ministry of Intelligence detained the individuals in Abadan and Mahshahr. They were subsequently transferred to undisclosed locations, and no information has been made available regarding their current condition or whereabouts.

At the time of this report, no information has emerged regarding the charges brought against these individuals.

Baha’i Citizen Arman Misaghian Sentenced to Two Years in Prison

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News, Religious Minorities
Arman Misaghian, Baha'i citizen, HRANA, Seyed Ali Mazloum, آرمان میثاقیان

HRANA – Arman Misaghian, a Baha’i citizen, has been sentenced by the Tehran Revolutionary Court to two years of discretionary imprisonment, along with additional punitive measures.

According to HRANA, Arman Misaghian, a Baha’i citizen, has been sentenced to prison.

Based on information received by HRANA, Branch 29 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced Arman Misaghian to one year of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of “propaganda against the regime” and an additional one year on the charge of “insulting the Supreme Leader.” As supplementary punishment, the court also banned him for two years from driving, signing commercial documents, and membership in groups.

The case was presided over by Judge Seyed Ali Mazloum.

So far, no information has been made available regarding the specific conduct underlying the charges brought against this citizen.

Over the past decade, Iran’s Baha’i community has been subjected to more security-related and judicial persecution than any other religious minority in the country. According to HRA’s annual reports, an average of 62.41% of all reported violations of the rights of religious minorities during the past year involved violations of the rights of Baha’i citizens.

Baha’i Citizen Shideh Tavakkoli Sentenced to Prison and Additional Punishments

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, HRANA, Shideh Tavakkoli

HRANA – Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court has sentenced Baha’i citizen Shideh Tavakkoli to 11 years in prison, permanent deprivation of employment in government and public service, and a monetary fine. The court also ordered the confiscation of part of her property.

According to HRANA, Shideh Tavakkoli has been sentenced to imprisonment and additional punishments.

According to the ruling issued by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, Ms. Tavakkoli was sentenced to 10 years in prison, permanent deprivation of employment in government and public service, and a fine of 3.3 billion rials (330 million tomans) on charges of membership in anti-state groups and propaganda activities contrary to Islamic law. She was also sentenced to one additional year in prison on the charge of propaganda against the state.

The court further ordered the confiscation of two properties belonging to her in Tehran, valued at 18.7 billion tomans, as well as part of her personal belongings, including electronic devices, books, and religious items.

The verdict was issued by the court on May 20, 2026, and served on Ms. Tavakkoli on May 26, 2026.

Shideh Tavakkoli was arrested by security forces at her home in Tehran on May 27, 2025. After the completion of interrogations, she was temporarily released from prison on bail.

Over the past decade, Iran’s Baha’i community has been subjected to more security-related and judicial persecution than any other religious minority in the country. According to annual reports published by HRA, 62.41% of all reported violations of the rights of religious minorities during the past calendar year involved Baha’is, on average.